In a welcome move for city commuters, the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC) has announced it will operate special services on four consecutive Sundays in January. This initiative is designed to cater to the increased passenger traffic expected during the New Year period, providing enhanced connectivity and convenience.
Enhanced Schedule for Blue Line Commuters
The bustling Blue Line, connecting Dakshineswar to Kavi Subhash, will see a significant boost in its operations. On the designated Sundays—January 4, 11, 18, and 25—the line will operate 160 services, a substantial increase from the regular 130 services.
Services on these days will commence at 9:00 am. For those planning late travel, the last train timings have been slightly extended. The final service from Shahid Khudiram towards Dakshineswar will depart at 9:33 pm instead of 9:30 pm. Similarly, the last train from Shahid Khudiram heading to Dum Dum will leave at 9:44 pm, one minute later than the usual 9:43 pm.
Furthermore, passengers will benefit from reduced waiting times during the evening peak hours. From 3:20 pm to 7:20 pm, trains on the Blue Line will run at intervals of 8 minutes, improved from the standard 10-minute frequency.
Green Line Boosts Frequency and Extends Hours
The Green Line, serving the route between Howrah Maidan and Salt Lake's Central Park, is also ramping up its offerings. On these four special Sundays, it will run 124 services, up from the usual 108.
Operations here will begin at 9:02 am. The regular services will conclude at 9:55 pm. However, in a special provision for late-evening travelers, an additional train will depart from Howrah Maidan at 10:05 pm bound for Central Park.
The frequency on the Green Line will also see improvement. Between 4:02 pm and 8:30 pm, trains will arrive every 10 minutes, a notable upgrade from the typical 15-minute gap during this period.
A Welcome Relief for Sunday Travelers
This announcement is set to bring much-needed relief to Kolkatans who rely on the metro for their Sunday travel, whether for shopping, leisure, or visiting family during the festive season. The coordinated increase in the number of trains, extended last service timings, and improved frequencies on both key lines demonstrate a proactive approach by the metro authorities to manage passenger demand efficiently.
Commuters are advised to plan their journeys keeping these new schedules in mind to avoid any inconvenience. The enhanced services are expected to reduce crowding and make Sunday travel smoother and more comfortable for thousands of daily passengers.
